United States:US president George Bush has told the world's biggest polluters that it is time for a new approach to climate change, one that is focused on goals rather than mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
"This new approach must involve all the world's largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions, including developed and developing nations," he said.
"We will set a long-term goal for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. By setting this goal, we acknowledge there is a problem. And by setting this goal, we commit ourselves to doing something about it."
Addressing representatives from the world's biggest economies, including China and India, as well as the EU and the UN, Mr Bush said energy security and climate change were twin challenges facing mankind.
"The world's response will help shape the future of the global economy and the condition of our environment for future generations. The nations in this room have special responsibilities," he said.
"We represent the world's major economies, we are major users of energy, and we have the resources and knowledge base to develop clean energy technologies."
The US remains isolated in its refusal to accept mandatory limits on emissions and some Europeans suggested that this week's meeting in Washington was designed to distract attention from a UN meeting on climate change, which most countries regard as more important.
"One of the striking features of this meeting is how isolated this administration has become," said John Ashton, a special representative on climate change for the British foreign secretary.
"There is absolutely no support that I can see in the international community that we can drive this effort on the basis of voluntary efforts."